Director-Project Closeout

Description

• Accountable for complete, accurate, and timely handover packages (as-builts, O&M manuals, warranties/spares) and the integrity of EDMS/asset registry records at close.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• Owns the Closeout operating plan, budget, and consultant strategy; allocates resources across programs and manages task orders to outcomes.
• Leads a team of managers, staff, and consultants; builds capability in closeout methods, asset transition, and regulated documentation.
• Owns agencywide closeout policy, standards, and procedures; updates them based on lessons learned, audit findings, and regulatory changes.
• This position is responsible for inspections, and visiting construction sites in various stages; including assessing ladders, stairs, lifts, etc. May be subject to standing, talking, seeing and walking, and carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Directs creation and continuous improvement of closeout toolkits, SOPs, schedules, templates, and training; ensures integration with PMIS/EDMS and asset registry systems.
• Orchestrates time-boxed “surge” deployments—small, focused teams to retire legacy backlogs, pilot improvements, or stabilize at-risk transitions.
• Ensures accurate and complete records archiving and asset handover packages (warranties, O&M manuals, as-builts, spare parts lists, CM/Ops procedures).
• Develops workforce plans and budgets; optimizes staffing across programs; manages vendor/consultant strategies and task order performance.
• Defines portfolio KPIs and annual targets (e.g., closeout cycle time, records completeness, warranty/securities closure, residual risk burn-down); publishes dashboards/heatmaps and drives corrective actions.
• Leads the closeout governance cadence; sets entry/exit criteria for readiness reviews and issues go/no-go recommendations with executive escalation as needed.
• Oversees portfolio-level issue resolution (third-party agreements, claims/final reconciliation, commissioning/system safety certification artifacts, spares and O&M deliverables).
• Interfaces with internal/external oversight (e.g., Internal Audit and federal partners) and represents status, risks, and actions to executive leadership.
• Coaches leaders and project teams; fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and equity.

Requirements

• Valid state driver's license. This position is required to make trips between Sound Transit facilities and project construction sites that are not readily accessible by transit during the workday. They may also require use of agency vehicles to travel and transport materials and equipment between Union Station, project sites, and Sound Transit facilities.
• Experience leading remediation of legacy backlogs and standing up “surge” teams to retire risk quickly.
• Proven ability to govern portfolios: set KPIs, read dashboards, diagnose systemic issues, and drive cross-functional corrective actions to closure.
• Expert knowledge of capital project lifecycle from commissioning to closeout, including contract administration, warranty management, risk/claims, and records requirements.
• Familiarity with transit operations, track access protocols on an operating system, service planning interfaces, facilities/O&M planning, and asset registry standards.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Current registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect issued by the State of Washington.
• Strong matrix leadership and stakeholder alignment across engineering, operations, legal, procurement, IT, and executive offices.
• Certified Construction Manager as issued by the Construction Management Certification Institute.
• Analytical fluency—data gathering, performance analysis, forecasting, and transparent reporting.
• Executive-caliber written and verbal communication; adept at briefings for internal governance, oversight partners, and leadership.
• Skill in building SOPs, process improvements, and training programs; integration with PMIS/EDMS/asset systems.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) or similar certification.
• Applied understanding of design/engineering, systems integration, commissioning, system safety certification, and operational readiness.
• Working knowledge of various governance requirements, documentation, and reporting expectations; familiarity with audits, permits, and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Work is performed in a hybrid shop, field and office environment.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Pet Insurance.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance